Butterick 5186

This top is the second piece of my Pattern Review mini wardrobe contest. My other two pieces are well on the way and I actually think I am going to finish in time. However it is going to be tight so forgive me for just copying and pasting my pattern review here. I will post pictures of me wearing the top with my completed wardrobe later this week.





Pattern Description:
From the pattern - Semi-fitted top A, B, C in two lengths has shoulder darts, front facing, sleeve variations and one button front closing. A, B: tie ends and flounce. B: sleeve band.
Pattern Sizing:
(8-10-12-14) and (16-18-20-22). I made a 12 with no alterations.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I made view B, but left off the additional sleeve band, I preferred the slightly shorter length and my fabric choices made the sleeves big enough already.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, very easy.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This top is an exact copy of a RTW top I bought from Zara last year. I knew it wouldn't last very long and I always planned to take it apart and make a pattern from it. So I was thrilled that Butterick saved me a job! This pattern is particularly great for beginners because the pattern pieces are very simple, there are no sleeves to set in and there are really no fitting issues due to it's boxy shape. Yet with the waist ties and the large collar you can get quite a dramatic, but versatile top. No dislikes at all!
Fabric Used:
I used silk dupioni and I interlined the main front and back pieces with silk organza. This helps to give the silk dupioni some body and resist creasing while still keeping the top lightweight. I handbasted the organza to the outer fabric and treated them as one piece. To finish the exposed seams on the inside I simply folded the seam allowances and slip stitched them to the interlining. Similarly the hems and facing edges were slipstitched to the interlining so no stitches show on the outside of the top and it also looks neat on the inside. It was quite time consuming doing all the handstitching, but worth it with these nice fabrics I think.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
Except for the very minor changes of leaving off the sleeve band and using snaps instead of a button, nothing. This is a very forgiving pattern in terms of fit.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Definitely and definitely.
Conclusion:
I love this top and will be making it up again in a more casual fabric for summer.